Vers. 1-25.-..4. mournful reflection upon a happy past. Job had lived in honour and great .respect. He was "the greatest of all the men of the East." The Divine testimony concerning him was," There is none like him in the earth." Job's was an enviable condition, and hie own words indicate how ~ensible he was of it. In his mournful utterance, made as he looks back upon a dead past, we see wherein consisted his happiness; and we learn what are the elemental conditions of the highest felicity in hµman life-at least at that period of the world's history. Nor can we think of loftier conditions to-day. The conditions of happiness on the loss of which Job mourn- fully reflected are- I. THE ASSURED FAVOUR OF JEHOVAH. The proof of this to Job was in his abounding prosperity. -- II. DoMEBTIO FELIOITY. If the joy of home be destroyed, all joy must wither. ill. THE RESPECT OF SURROUNDING soOIETY, It is always painful to a right-minded man not to be held in respect by his fellow-men ; and although it may minister to pride in the unwary, it is to the prudellt a source of the greatest satisfaction. especially when it is subordinated to the honour that cometh from God only. IV. THE •HONOURABLE BEG.ARD EVEN OF THE GREAT, The very princes and nobles held silence when he spake. He who is so highly honoured cannot but honour himself. Happy the man whose self-respect so ripens. , V. THE EXER0IBE OF CHARITY, without which the heart would become selfish . . VI. THE RESPONSIVE BLESSINGS OF MEN, sweet as nard of great price. VII. CoNBOIOUSNESS OF INTEGRITY AND RIGHTEOUSNESS-a conscience void of offence. VIII. THE EXERCISE OF HiB POWER A~"D WEALTH FOB THE DEFENCE OF THE NEEDY AND OPPRESSED. Every kind act leaves a fragrance on the hand of him who does it. . IX. 'l'HE POSSESSION OF HOPE. It might be said the hope of the permanence of these precious possessions. . . X. A CAUSE OF BLESSING TO OTHERS, In these lies the secret of the truest happiness; but many deserve them not, and having them are not able to retain their integrity and simplicity. Hence how often are they withdrawn I The absence of these Job is called to mourn. 'fo hold fast his integrity in the loss as truly as amidst the possession of these things marks the true greatness and goodness of the man, and ultimately brings him the highest honour.-R. G.
Vets. 2-4.-Regrets for the happy past. I. IT IS NATURAL TO LOOK BACK WITH REGRET ON THE HAPPY. PAST. The memory of past joy is not wholly pleasant. If the joy is gone, the memory only adds pain to tbe present sense of loss. Several things contribute to give intensity to the feeling of,regret. 1. Many of the besl blessings are not appreciated while we-possess them. We have to lose them to learn their value. This is especially true of great common blessings, such as the buoyancy of youth, health, affiuence. When all goes well with us we do not consider how many gifts of God we are enjoying. The charm of summer is appreciated when dull November makes us look back on the lost days of brightness. We wake up to the value of our love<l ones when they ho.ve been taken from us by the hand of death. Advel'>'ity reveals the privileges of prosperity. Declining years teach the value of youth. 2. Reflection grows with 1/etlf'L It has been remarked upon as a. misfortune that so many of the best things ln life seem to be lavished upon an age that is carelessly negligent of them, Strength, energy, health, happiness, in abundance ore enjoyed in youth without a thought. When these treasures are more scarce they are carefully economized and highly valued. ln later years the habit of lookillg backward grows upon us, and 480 THE 'BOOR: OF .JOB. [on, XXIX, 1-21>,